Tools for sheathing treatment devices and associated systems and methods

Abstract

Devices for loading intravascular treatment devices into a sheath and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A sheathing tool may include, for example, a first channel extending to a first opening, the first channel configured to receive a treatment device in a constrained state therethrough. The treatment device may include an elongated member and a first element and a second element at a distal region of the elongated member. The second channel may extend to a second opening, the second opening surrounded by a sidewall and configured to receive the treatment device in the constrained state therethrough, wherein the second opening is spaced apart from the first opening by a gap, and wherein a length of the gap is great enough to allow the first element to self-expand over the sidewall while the second element generally maintains its diameter in the constrained state while crossing the gap.

We claim: 
     
       1. A system comprising: a treatment device having an elongated member, and a first element and a second element at a distal region of the elongate member; and a device for sheathing the treatment device, the device comprising: a first channel extending to a first opening, the first channel configured to receive the treatment device in a constrained state therethrough; and a second channel extending to a second opening, the second opening surrounded by a sidewall and configured to receive the treatment device in the constrained state therethrough, wherein the second opening is spaced apart from the first opening by a gap, and wherein a length of the gap is great enough to allow the first element to self-expand over the sidewall while the second element generally maintains its diameter in the constrained state while crossing the gap. 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein an inner diameter of the second channel tapers distally from the second opening. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein an outer diameter of the sidewall increases distally from the second opening. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second openings are fixed relative to one another such that the length of the gap is fixed. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second openings are movable relative to one another such that the length of the gap is adjustable. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first channel is within a first housing and the second channel is within a second housing movable relative to the first housing, and wherein the first housing has a detent configured to receive a protrusion of the second housing, or vice versa, such that the first housing is locked in place relative to the second housing. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first channel is configured to receive a sheath therethrough, wherein the sheath is configured to slidably receive the treatment device therein in the constrained state. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second channel is configured to receive a sheath therethrough, and wherein the sheath is configured to slidably receive the treatment device therein in the constrained state. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first element is a self-expanding element. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is a self-expanding element. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first element is a mesh. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is a stent. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein, in an expanded state, the first element has a flared distal region with a lumen therethrough, and wherein the lumen of the flared distal region is configured to receive the sidewall therein as the treatment device is moved across the gap. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment device is a clot retrieving device. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to be detachably coupled to a handle of a catheter, thereby placing the second channel in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter.